Public Workshops
November 12, 2025. Overcoming Stage Fright w/ Jim Robinson
December 10, 2025. Dealing with Difficult People w/ Jada Pulley
January 14, 2026. Doing Big Things with Small Talk w/ Heather Meyer
This winter, we’re turning everyday challenges, fear, conflict, and communication, into practice grounds for courage and creativity. Join us for a three playful, practical improv workshops designed for real people, not performers. Each session stands alone, so come to one or come to all. You’ll leave with tools you can use the next day—and probably a few new friends, too.
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 | Center for Performing Arts, Minneapolis | 5:30 - 7:30pm
Does your heart race at the thought of speaking in front of a group? You’re not alone—and there’s a fun way to change that.
Join veteran improviser and psychology professor Jim Robinson for an interactive workshop that blends improv, psychology, and a little laughter to help you face your fears and find your voice. Drawing on decades of experience as both a performer and instructor, Jim uses playful exercises from improvisation to help participants work with anxiety rather than against it.
Through group games and guided reflection, you’ll learn to:
Reconnect with your body and calm your nervous system
Transform “mistakes” into opportunities for connection
Stay present and grounded in the moment
Build confidence and ease in front of an audience
By the end of the session, you’ll see that public speaking doesn’t have to be terrifying—it can actually be fun. Give it a chance!
About the Instructor:
Jim Robinson has a dual career in improvisation and psychology. An alumnus of the Brave New Workshop, the Off-Beat Comedy Club onboard the Disney Magic, and The Theater of Public Policy, he’s also co-founder of Table Salt Productions. Jim has taught psychology at St. Catherine University, the University of St. Thomas, and the University of Minnesota, and has led courses on presentation skills through the Guthrie Theater’s Public Education Program. As a Fulbright Specialist, he implemented his “Improvisation and Mental Health” curriculum in Pakistan and now trains social workers and law enforcement professionals in crisis intervention using improv techniques.
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 | Center for Performing Arts, Minneapolis | 5:30 - 7:30pm
Some people are… a lot. The good news: you can get better at working with them—without losing your calm or your boundaries.
Join performance artist, community builder, and HR pro Jada Pulley for a hands-on workshop that turns improv tools into everyday people skills. You’ll practice staying present, listening with real curiosity, and building on ideas even when you disagree, all while learning how to set clear boundaries and redirect unhelpful behaviors. Expect laughs, practical frameworks, and scripts you can use the very next day.
You’ll learn how to
Stay grounded under pressure and respond (not react)
Use “Yes, and…” to acknowledge without agreeing
Reframe charged statements into constructive conversation
Set, state, and uphold healthy boundaries
Practice active listening that de-escalates tension
Make clear requests and name impacts without blaming
What we’ll do (light, fast, useful)
Five Things: build a supportive, idea-rich team rhythm
Reframe Relay: turn “you’re too sensitive”-type jabs into productive pivots
Yes, And Gauntlet: acknowledge, redirect, and hold your line
Repeat Back / Meisner-lite: sharpen observation and listening
Nemesis Interview + Roleplay Replay: map motivations, then rehearse better outcomes
Who it’s for: managers, team leads, educators, frontline staff—anyone who collaborates with humans.
Jada Pulley (they/them) is a Minneapolis-based performance artist, community builder, and human resources professional. They regularly produce and perform improvisational theater and serve as a director for the Queer & Funny Improv Festival. Whether in the office or on the stage, Jada is committed to fostering meaningful connection, making space for all facets of humanity, and pulling the traditionally marginalized into the center.
Wednesday, January 14, 2026 | Center for Performing Arts, Minneapolis | 5:30 - 7:30
Want to sound clear, confident, and compelling without overthinking every word? This fast-moving, welcoming workshop uses improv to sharpen your stories and your on-the-spot presence.
Facilitator Heather Meyer guides you through playful, low-stakes exercises that help you find your point, read the room, and build ideas collaboratively. You’ll practice framing a message, grounding your voice and body, and turning surprises into momentum. Expect laughter, useful frameworks, and take-home prompts you can use right away.
You’ll learn how to
Find the “so what?” in any story or update
Use “Yes, and…” to build ideas without rambling
Stay present under pressure and recover smoothly
Match tone, pace, and structure to your audience
Turn tangents and interruptions into engaging pivots
Close with clarity: clear asks, next steps, and impact
What we’ll do (light, fast, useful)
Story Spine Sprints: craft crisp beginnings, middles, and endings
Status Switch: explore voice, stance, and authority without steamrolling
Point–Proof–Close: snap together concise, audience-ready messages
Emotional Replay: keep your story consistent while the energy shifts
Yes, And Edit: build together, cut kindly, and land the takeaway
Who it’s for: managers, communicators, educators, creatives—anyone who presents ideas, in public or inside a team.
About the instructor
Heather Meyer is a Minneapolis-based writer, performer, and facilitator who blends comedy and craft to help people communicate with more clarity and ease. She’s led scores of improv-driven workshops for organizations, educators, and creative teams, with a focus on practical tools you can use the next day.
Overcoming Stage Fright
with Jim Robinson
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 | Center for Performing Arts
Does your heart race at the thought of speaking in front of a group? You’re not alone—and there’s a fun way to change that.
Join veteran improviser and psychologist Jim Robinson for an interactive workshop that blends improv, psychology, and a little laughter to help you face your fears and find your voice. You’ll learn how to stay grounded, work with your body’s stress response, and rediscover that public speaking can actually be… fun.
Dealing with Difficult People (with Improv)
with Jada Pulley
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 | Center for Performing Arts
Some people are… a lot. The good news: you can get better at working with them—without losing your calm or your boundaries.
Join performance artist, community builder, and HR professional Jada Pulley for a hands-on workshop that turns improv tools into people skills you can use right away. You’ll practice listening, redirecting tension, setting boundaries, and responding instead of reacting—all while laughing and learning alongside others.
Doing Big Things with Small Talk
with Heather Meyer
Wednesday, January 14, 2026 | Center for Performing Arts
Want to sound clear, confident, and compelling—without overthinking every word? This fast-moving, welcoming workshop uses improv to sharpen your stories and your presence.
Facilitator Heather Meyer will help you find your point, read the room, and turn surprises into momentum. You’ll practice storytelling frameworks, build confidence under pressure, and walk away with tools for both everyday conversations and high-stakes moments.